Make Ahead

Shrimp, Melon, and Cucumber Salad with Spicy Mayonnaise

October  4, 2022
0
0 Ratings
  • Serves 4 generously
Author Notes

I used cantaloupe, but use any melon you like. You can eat the salad right after you prepare it for a room temperature version or chill it first. Try it rolled up taco-style in crunchy cabbage or lettuce leaves - delicious! —Pinch&Swirl

Continue After Advertisement
Ingredients
  • For the spicy mayonnaise:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha hot chili sauce (or more)
  • 1/2 teaspoon soy sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
  • For the salad:
  • 3/4 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cucumber, peeled, quartered and sliced into 1/2" wedges (no need to peel if you're using an English cucumber)
  • 1/2 cantaloupe or honeydew melon, seeded and cut into bite-size chunks
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1 avocado, seeded, peeled, and cut in bite-size chunks
  • 1/2 cup toasted almonds, chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, sliced crosswise into thin slivers
  • 8 cabbage or butter lettuce leaves (optional)
Directions
  1. To make the spicy mayonnaise, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha hot chili sauce, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl; set aside.
  2. To cook the shrimp, bring about 2 cups of water to boil in a small saucepan (you want enough water to just cover the shrimp); stir in a small handful of salt. Add shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes, or until pink and cooked through. Drain shrimp in a colander and set aside to cool. Coarsely chop the shrimp when they are cool enough to handle.
  3. Meanwhile, in a large bowl combine cucumber, melon, green onions, celery, avocado, almonds, and chopped shrimp. Add mayonnaise to mixture and gently stir to combine. Divide mixture between four serving plates or scoop into whole cabbage or lettuce leaves divided among the plates. Sprinkle slivered basil evenly over each. Serve.

See what other Food52ers are saying.

3 Reviews

andrea S. July 29, 2016
I made this exactly as written. Yes, exactly. It was flavorful and very filling and a great way to use up part of a melon. Definitely 4 generous portions! I would make it again, and would consider grilling the shrimp or sautéing the shrimp in garlic and oil to push the flavor over the top. Thanks for the great recipe, 4 years later.
Pinch&Swirl July 15, 2012
Hi Emily. Thank you so much!
EmilyC July 14, 2012
This looks so delicious and refreshing with all of the flavors and textures you have here. Nice!